Veteran volunteers connect with veteran hospice patients as they enter their final moments.
(Ed. note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Nate Miller
Bridge Michigan
As some Vietnam veterans near the ends of their lives, a program at Hospice of Michigan connects vets with others who have served in the military through ceremonies and bedside visits.
Hospice can be isolating, said Dr. Adam Marks, a clinical professor of medicine in the division of geriatric and palliative medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.
“Someone who has a certain degree of shared experiences will be much more likely to form a meaningful connection with someone to fight that sense of alienation and loneliness,” Marks said.
At Hospice of Michigan, veteran volunteers can interact with veteran patients in ways civilians can’t, or wouldn’t know how, said Von White, one of the volunteers.
“We got a camaraderie that a majority of the population doesn’t have, because we served together, we committed ourselves to the defense of our country,” said White, who served in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to give back.”
It can be important for veterans to share details about their time in the military before they die, which they may feel most comfortable doing surrounded by fellow veterans, said Kathy Lietaert, statewide manager of volunteer services for Hospice Michigan.
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Volunteers honor service through ceremony
At a pinning ceremony, family and friends of a veteran patient gather in-person or online, alongside some of Hospice of Michigan’s veteran volunteers, to celebrate that patient’s service. Veteran volunteers read poems or say prayers over the patient, and family members share favorite memories.
The veteran patients receive a pin featuring a flag on one side and the Hospice of Michigan emblem on the other, with the veterans in attendance saluting the patient being pinned.
Gerald Przywara, who served in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966, has witnessed the impact such recognition can have.
As Przywara spoke with the veteran being pinned, “he just kept thanking me and shaking my hand,” he said. “He had tears in his eyes and everything.”
That service is especially important as many Vietnam veterans near the ends of their lives, said Lietaert, of Hospice of Michigan.
“They didn’t get the welcome back that maybe some of the other veterans got,” she said. They “could really have a need to share their stories, or to be honored, or to feel that their service mattered.”
Przywara joined Hospice of Michigan as a veteran volunteer in March 2025, and has since connected with a number of veteran patients.
“It leaves a lasting impression on you that you were able to do something for somebody, and they appreciate it,” he said. “You get satisfaction by doing something good for another human being.”
Veterans especially appreciate doing acts of service for fellow veterans, White said.
“When you see a man or a woman that put their lives on the line, taken the oath, and they’re willing to die for this country, it’s just something you don’t forget,” White said.
By Nate Miller
Bridge Michigan
As some Vietnam veterans near the ends of their lives, a program at Hospice of Michigan connects vets with others who have served in the military through ceremonies and bedside visits.
Hospice can be isolating, said Dr. Adam Marks, a clinical professor of medicine in the division of geriatric and palliative medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School.
“Someone who has a certain degree of shared experiences will be much more likely to form a meaningful connection with someone to fight that sense of alienation and loneliness,” Marks said.
At Hospice of Michigan, veteran volunteers can interact with veteran patients in ways civilians can’t, or wouldn’t know how, said Von White, one of the volunteers.
“We got a camaraderie that a majority of the population doesn’t have, because we served together, we committed ourselves to the defense of our country,” said White, who served in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to give back.”
It can be important for veterans to share details about their time in the military before they die, which they may feel most comfortable doing surrounded by fellow veterans, said Kathy Lietaert, statewide manager of volunteer services for Hospice Michigan.
—————
Volunteers honor service through ceremony
At a pinning ceremony, family and friends of a veteran patient gather in-person or online, alongside some of Hospice of Michigan’s veteran volunteers, to celebrate that patient’s service. Veteran volunteers read poems or say prayers over the patient, and family members share favorite memories.
The veteran patients receive a pin featuring a flag on one side and the Hospice of Michigan emblem on the other, with the veterans in attendance saluting the patient being pinned.
Gerald Przywara, who served in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966, has witnessed the impact such recognition can have.
As Przywara spoke with the veteran being pinned, “he just kept thanking me and shaking my hand,” he said. “He had tears in his eyes and everything.”
That service is especially important as many Vietnam veterans near the ends of their lives, said Lietaert, of Hospice of Michigan.
“They didn’t get the welcome back that maybe some of the other veterans got,” she said. They “could really have a need to share their stories, or to be honored, or to feel that their service mattered.”
Przywara joined Hospice of Michigan as a veteran volunteer in March 2025, and has since connected with a number of veteran patients.
“It leaves a lasting impression on you that you were able to do something for somebody, and they appreciate it,” he said. “You get satisfaction by doing something good for another human being.”
Veterans especially appreciate doing acts of service for fellow veterans, White said.
“When you see a man or a woman that put their lives on the line, taken the oath, and they’re willing to die for this country, it’s just something you don’t forget,” White said.
Whitmer Announces New Round of Medical Debt Forgiveness
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the second round of medical debt forgiveness, totaling over $74 million for 71,871 Michiganders.
Recipients began receiving letters this week. Combined with the $144 million of forgiveness announced in July 2025, the State of Michigan has now provided more than $200 million in relief.
"Here in Michigan, we believe being sick or getting injured shouldn’t mean going broke,” Whitmer said. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Undue Medical Debt, so we can erase over $74 million of medical debt for almost 72,000 Michiganders across the state. This action ensures fewer Michigan families must choose between putting food on the table or paying their medical bills, at a time when so many already are struggling with rising costs on the essentials driven by tariffs, cuts to Medicaid, and the Iran War.”
“Medical debt makes it harder to get a job, put food on the table, and access care,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said. “Today’s forgiveness of over $74 million of medical debt will help nearly 72,000 Michiganders in communities across our state move forward with their lives.”
The State of Michigan has collaborated with the national nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, with the goal of putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets by erasing medical debt for people across the state. On average, one dollar given to Undue Medical Debt relieves $100 of medical debt. The debt was sourced from local hospitals, which wish to remain anonymous but are committed to community benefit and making healthcare accessible.
"I'm grateful to Gov. Whitmer and the state of Michigan for this continued commitment to erasing the financial and emotional burden of medical debt — now reaching more than $200 million in relief for over 280,000 Michiganders," said Allison Sesso, president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt. "No one chooses to get sick, be in an accident or have a chronic condition, and no family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their medical bills. At a time when federal policies are threatening to push millions more into medical debt, this partnership sends a powerful message that states can and will step up to protect their residents."
“This week, over 70,000 Michiganders are receiving not just a letter, but a lifeline — an opportunity to break free from the weight of medical debt and have a real shot at securing a brighter, financially secure future,” said state Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing. “This is the kind of meaningful impact we can have when we pass a state budget that puts people first. I’m beyond thrilled to know that so many folks across the state will feel real, life-changing relief this week, and I am committed to continuing to fight on both the budget and policy front to ensure more Michiganders don’t have to bear the burden of medical debt alone.”
Medical debt often results from unplanned and unexpected illnesses and accidents. About half of adults in the United States have difficulty in paying their health care bills. In many areas and for many reasons, people remain uninsured and those who are insured receive expensive bills after receiving care.
Across the U.S., medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy, and it affects hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who have to choose between paying their medical bills or putting food on the table. Relieving Michiganders of the burden of medical debt will help to stop people from skipping or delaying medical care because of cost-related fears and to support people living healthier lives.
Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to erasing medical debt for Americans across the country by purchasing qualifying medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar from providers like hospitals and physicians’ groups as well as collection agencies. The partnership between Undue Medical Debt and the State of Michigan will support hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, giving them a lifeline to free themselves of the burden of medical debt.
Those who qualify for medical debt relief are either four times (400%) or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts.
Recipients began receiving letters this week. Combined with the $144 million of forgiveness announced in July 2025, the State of Michigan has now provided more than $200 million in relief.
"Here in Michigan, we believe being sick or getting injured shouldn’t mean going broke,” Whitmer said. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Undue Medical Debt, so we can erase over $74 million of medical debt for almost 72,000 Michiganders across the state. This action ensures fewer Michigan families must choose between putting food on the table or paying their medical bills, at a time when so many already are struggling with rising costs on the essentials driven by tariffs, cuts to Medicaid, and the Iran War.”
“Medical debt makes it harder to get a job, put food on the table, and access care,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said. “Today’s forgiveness of over $74 million of medical debt will help nearly 72,000 Michiganders in communities across our state move forward with their lives.”
The State of Michigan has collaborated with the national nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, with the goal of putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets by erasing medical debt for people across the state. On average, one dollar given to Undue Medical Debt relieves $100 of medical debt. The debt was sourced from local hospitals, which wish to remain anonymous but are committed to community benefit and making healthcare accessible.
"I'm grateful to Gov. Whitmer and the state of Michigan for this continued commitment to erasing the financial and emotional burden of medical debt — now reaching more than $200 million in relief for over 280,000 Michiganders," said Allison Sesso, president and CEO of Undue Medical Debt. "No one chooses to get sick, be in an accident or have a chronic condition, and no family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their medical bills. At a time when federal policies are threatening to push millions more into medical debt, this partnership sends a powerful message that states can and will step up to protect their residents."
“This week, over 70,000 Michiganders are receiving not just a letter, but a lifeline — an opportunity to break free from the weight of medical debt and have a real shot at securing a brighter, financially secure future,” said state Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing. “This is the kind of meaningful impact we can have when we pass a state budget that puts people first. I’m beyond thrilled to know that so many folks across the state will feel real, life-changing relief this week, and I am committed to continuing to fight on both the budget and policy front to ensure more Michiganders don’t have to bear the burden of medical debt alone.”
Medical debt often results from unplanned and unexpected illnesses and accidents. About half of adults in the United States have difficulty in paying their health care bills. In many areas and for many reasons, people remain uninsured and those who are insured receive expensive bills after receiving care.
Across the U.S., medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy, and it affects hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who have to choose between paying their medical bills or putting food on the table. Relieving Michiganders of the burden of medical debt will help to stop people from skipping or delaying medical care because of cost-related fears and to support people living healthier lives.
Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to erasing medical debt for Americans across the country by purchasing qualifying medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar from providers like hospitals and physicians’ groups as well as collection agencies. The partnership between Undue Medical Debt and the State of Michigan will support hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, giving them a lifeline to free themselves of the burden of medical debt.
Those who qualify for medical debt relief are either four times (400%) or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts.
School Bond Approval Rates Decline
By Jamie A. Hope
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Voters in towns around Michigan are saying no to school bond initiatives at an increasing rate. That hasn’t stopped school districts from asking again — in one case, coming back with an even higher request.
Bridge Michigan analyzed bond data provided by Gongwer News Service in 2024.
About 75% of the 170 bonds put on ballots statewide were approved from 2018 to 2020.
That rate has dropped substantially after that. MIRS News reports that 45.5% of school bond questions passed in 2025 — a decline of 29.5 percentage points.
Experts suggest several possible reasons.
“I think it’s clear that voters and parents want strong public schools,” said Joshua Cowen, professor of education policy at Michigan State University, “but there is a range in their willingness to pay at the local level.”
In other states, Cowen notes, plans to cut or eliminate property tax collections for schools have usually been accompanied by plans to dedicate new sources of revenue from the state budget.
“I think with the cost of living so high right now, any new revenue requests are going to get extra scrutiny from voters,” Cowen said
Roughly 64% of ballot initiatives in Michigan passed in May, according to Cowen. The same percentage, 64%, failed in Ohio elections.
“Ohio is also pressing a major overhaul of local and property taxes more generally,” Cowen said.
Saginaw Township Community Schools has requested new bonds in three out of the past four years, with voters rejecting each request.
The district asked for $242.9 million in May 2023. It returned with a request for $169.2 million in November 2025, and another for $94.2 million in May. Each proposal failed.
Voters in Brighton also rejected a $156 million school bond proposal in May that would have funded 170 projects.
Voters in the St. Johns Public Schools district rejected bond proposals in 2024 and 2025. The district will ask voters in November to approve another bond proposal.
Opponents of the 2024 request for $92 million in new bonds argued that the new debt issue was bloated, adding that they were still paying off a previous bond.
After attending a 2024 meeting of the St. Johns school board, Chris DeLiso, now a county commissioner, said none of the six board members knew the basic facts about the money they were seeking to borrow.
The district attempted an even pricier bond request in 2025 — $99.75 million. But voters said no once again.
The district recently approved a $40 million proposal to be put on the November 2026 ballot.
Zeeland Public Schools voters approved a $186.4 million bond issue last November by a little more than 200 votes, 3,537-3,316.
The bond issue will expand and renovate Creekside Middle School, with at least four new classrooms to be added. The district’s elementary schools will all get upgrades, with particular emphasis on older buildings such as Lincoln, Roosevelt and New Groningen. ZPS transportation and maintenance facilities will be upgraded. Improvements are planned at the DeWitt Auditorium at Zeeland East High School and Lokers Auditorium at Cityside Middle School.
(Zeeland Record editor Greg Chandler contributed to this story.)
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Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Voters in towns around Michigan are saying no to school bond initiatives at an increasing rate. That hasn’t stopped school districts from asking again — in one case, coming back with an even higher request.
Bridge Michigan analyzed bond data provided by Gongwer News Service in 2024.
About 75% of the 170 bonds put on ballots statewide were approved from 2018 to 2020.
That rate has dropped substantially after that. MIRS News reports that 45.5% of school bond questions passed in 2025 — a decline of 29.5 percentage points.
Experts suggest several possible reasons.
“I think it’s clear that voters and parents want strong public schools,” said Joshua Cowen, professor of education policy at Michigan State University, “but there is a range in their willingness to pay at the local level.”
In other states, Cowen notes, plans to cut or eliminate property tax collections for schools have usually been accompanied by plans to dedicate new sources of revenue from the state budget.
“I think with the cost of living so high right now, any new revenue requests are going to get extra scrutiny from voters,” Cowen said
Roughly 64% of ballot initiatives in Michigan passed in May, according to Cowen. The same percentage, 64%, failed in Ohio elections.
“Ohio is also pressing a major overhaul of local and property taxes more generally,” Cowen said.
Saginaw Township Community Schools has requested new bonds in three out of the past four years, with voters rejecting each request.
The district asked for $242.9 million in May 2023. It returned with a request for $169.2 million in November 2025, and another for $94.2 million in May. Each proposal failed.
Voters in Brighton also rejected a $156 million school bond proposal in May that would have funded 170 projects.
Voters in the St. Johns Public Schools district rejected bond proposals in 2024 and 2025. The district will ask voters in November to approve another bond proposal.
Opponents of the 2024 request for $92 million in new bonds argued that the new debt issue was bloated, adding that they were still paying off a previous bond.
After attending a 2024 meeting of the St. Johns school board, Chris DeLiso, now a county commissioner, said none of the six board members knew the basic facts about the money they were seeking to borrow.
The district attempted an even pricier bond request in 2025 — $99.75 million. But voters said no once again.
The district recently approved a $40 million proposal to be put on the November 2026 ballot.
Zeeland Public Schools voters approved a $186.4 million bond issue last November by a little more than 200 votes, 3,537-3,316.
The bond issue will expand and renovate Creekside Middle School, with at least four new classrooms to be added. The district’s elementary schools will all get upgrades, with particular emphasis on older buildings such as Lincoln, Roosevelt and New Groningen. ZPS transportation and maintenance facilities will be upgraded. Improvements are planned at the DeWitt Auditorium at Zeeland East High School and Lokers Auditorium at Cityside Middle School.
(Zeeland Record editor Greg Chandler contributed to this story.)
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Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
